Pride presence biggest ever in 2018 Summerside Lobster Carnival Parade

Amid the colourful floats, bagpipesand tractorsin the annual Lobster Carnival Parade in Summerside, P.E.I., a group of about 30people sang and dancedas they showed off their rainbow flags.

Pride PEI recently launched a Summersidechapterand the group made its appearance in the parade asone of the first steps to establishing a larger presence in the community.

"It just shows that there are more people willing to stand up to show that they believe that diversity is important," said Pride PEI board member Janet Bradshaw.

Small group in past years

A small group from Pride PEI participated in the past one car, and fewer than 10 people.This year, organizers aimed for abigger presence.In the end, the group had five decorated vehiclesand about 30people joined in the parade.

"Well, last year there was four of usand the year before that, there was also four of us. So the fact that we have... this many people is great," said participant Zander Gallant.

When the SummersidePride chapter was launched in April, there was discussion about possibly hosting the city's first Pride Parade. But organizers say the tight timeline meant that wasn't feasible, so they put their focus on the Lobster Carnival instead.

Nancy Beth Guptill, Pride PEIwestern event coordinator and the chair of theSummersidechapter,says she's heard from people in the community that they want events they can participate in locally. The Lobster Carnival Parade seemed like a good opportunity, she said.

"We are just really responding to what the community is asking for."

Positive response

Guptill said support from the people in the area, including local businesses, has been very positive.

However,there have been past instances of intolerance in the community.

Negative online comments about the LGBT community prompted oneSummerside couple to paint rainbows on sidewalks throughout the city last summer. Similarly, Pride organizers say they are focusing on positive actions that demonstrate inclusion.

"Our philosophyreally is just to be positive. You just have to educate those people ... and really not really give them the time of day. Just, it's all about love," said Daryl Dickson, who is involved with the SummersidePride chapter.

Dickson also hopes by building a presence in Summerside, Pride PEI will be able to draw in people from surrounding rural areas in the western part of the province.

"Most of the events were held down in the Charlottetown area [and]it became a very big barrier for some people to actually participate in those events," Dickson said.

Eighteen-year-old Gallant said growing up in Summerside, there weren't many supportive resources available to him locallyand he's glad to now see a more visible LGBT presence in the community, including in the parade.

"I feel proud to be able to do this ... and show people, like this is who I amand I'm proud," said Gallant.